Of Hawks and Brushes

In a previous post, I shared some images of eagles and an owl from my visit to Wildlife Images. There we also had the opportunity to see a Red-Tailed Hawk, a Ferruginous Hawk, and an Auger Buzzard. The owls shown to us were Barn Owl, Spotted Owl, and Great Horned Owl.

Here I’m showing a shot of a Red-Tailed Hawk. All the animals shown to us are simply magnificent. Being in their presence makes me want to save and protect any and all endangered animals everywhere. I know this isn’t possible, but I keep trying to think of ways to make some inroads, perhaps very small but at least moving in a positive direction.

Wildlife Images is doing what it can by caring for these animals that can no longer fly free, and by exposing them to the public. The education is successful because seeing these creatures inspires us to want to protect them. In turn, perhaps that respect and appreciation for nature we have gets passed on without words.

I just read an article in PsittaScene, published by the World Parrot Trust, about the current wild population of the Blue-throated Macaw in Bolivia. Only 80 individuals are known, though the number could be as high as 200. The article describes how a team of scientists and volunteers spent weeks, round-the-clock, observing and supplementing the diet of the baby hatchlings to reduce the mortality rate of this most-endangered macaw. Typically, only one of several babies survives each breeding season; the others die of starvation or predation. The mission was successful, boosting the world population by another 10 macaws. Such are the small victories when the odds are so large. (The native habitat of these macaws is not protected and is currently being used for cattle grazing.)

Lately, my thoughts go to: "How can I contribute when I don't have extra to spare? What can I do with my art?"

Well, I paint what I love and cherish. Currently I’m working on a watercolor of a Ferruginous Hawk, using wet and dry brush techniques. This is a shot taken of a small part of that painting that is still in its early stages. It is my hope that when it’s completed, some of you readers will like it enough to buy a print or some cards. This is how I've decided to help: a percentage of each sale – and that applies to any item you buy on my art site, original or print – will be donated to groups working to conserve and protect endangered species and their habitats.

I don’t know how you feel, but a world without birdsong and beating wings would be unthinkable.